Inflatable device forming mattresses and cushions

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to an inflatable device comprising an electromechanical device and a self-sealing valve, and in particular, to any inflatable device that includes the assembly. In some embodiments, at least a portion of a fluid controller is coupled to and supported by an inflatable bladder of an inflatable device. The fluid controller may be located in a compartment, and the compartment may be within the profile of the bladder. The inflatable device may be a single bladder mattress or a dual bladder mattress. The inflatable device may include a heater or an articulation device. The inflatable device may be multi-positional device or have a storage compartment. The inflatable device may be configurable using one or more members such as a membrane or fasteners.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims priority under 35U.S.C. §120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/349,301, entitled“INFLATABLE DEVICE FORMING MATTRESSES AND CUSHIONS,” filed Jan. 6, 2009,which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,225,444. This application is a divisionof an also claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/717,410, entitled “INFLATABLE DEVICE FORMINGMATTRESSES AND CUSHIONS,” filed on Nov. 18, 2003, which issued as U.S.Pat. No. 7,475,440. This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.§119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/427,151, entitled“ADJUSTABLE POSTURE SUPPORT SYSTEM,” filed on Nov. 18, 2002, and U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/427,307, entitled “PRIMARY BEDDINGMATTRESS,” filed on Nov. 18, 2002. This application is acontinuation-in-part of and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/430,040, entitled “A VALVE WITHELECTROMECHANICAL DEVICE FOR ACTUATING THE VALVE,” filed on May 5, 2003,which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,644,724, which claims priority from U.S.Patent Application No. 60/377,798, entitled “VALVE WITH ELECROMECHANICALDEVICE FOR INFLATABLE DEVICE,” filed May 3, 2002. This application alsoclaims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/192,757, entitled “CONFIGURABLE INFLATABLE SUPPORT DEVICES,” filed onJul. 10, 2002, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,328,472 and which claimspriority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/304,274 entitled“COMBINATION STRUCTURES FOR AN INFLATABLE BLADDER,” filed Jul. 10, 2001and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/374,403 entitled “ARECONFIGURABLE INFLATABLE SUPPORT DEVICE,” filed Apr. 22, 2002. All ofthe above-mentioned, related applications are herein incorporated byreference in their entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to inflatable devices and, in particular, toinflatable support devices.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Inflatable devices are used in a variety of contexts where buoyancy or acushioned support is needed, where space is limited, or portability isdesired. For example, inflatable mattresses, cushions and other bodysupports are used for applications such as camping, hospital bedding,and both occasional and everyday bedding in the home. Such inflatabledevices have the additional advantage that the degree of inflation ofthe support can be adjusted to provide even support of an irregularobject, such as a person. Other examples of inflatable devices includeboats, rafts and other devices for use in the water where use of aninflatable device may benefit support, health, comfort, and safety.

Inflatable devices typically include valves for inflation and deflationof the devices. Valves used with inflatable devices may includeself-sealing valves such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,621,which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Inflatabledevices may also include mechanisms, such as manually or electricallypowered pumps, to aid in inflating and/or deflating the devices.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

A first aspect of the invention is directed to an inflatable device,comprising: (A) an inflatable bladder; and (B) a fluid controllercomprising: (i) a valve coupled to and supported by the inflatablebladder, the valve being configured and arranged to control the flow offluid into and out of the bladder, the valve forming a seal to maintainfluid in the bladder in response to fluid pressure within the bladder;and (ii) a mechanical device configured and arranged to open the valvewhen the mechanical device is actuated.

The inflatable device may further comprise a compartment coupled to thebladder and configured and arranged to enclose the valve, thecompartment being adapted to receive pressurized fluid from a pump. Insome embodiments, the valve is a self sealing valve comprising a coveradapted to prevent the valve from opening in the presence of airpressure in the compartment, and wherein the cover and the mechanicaldevice are configure so that when the mechanical device is actuated itbiases open the cover. The self sealing valve may further comprise adiaphragm configured and arranged to form the seal in response to fluidpressure within the bladder, and wherein the diaphragm and themechanical device are configure so that when the mechanical device isactuated it biases open the cover and the diaphragm. Optionally, themechanical device is enclosed by the compartment. The mechanical devicemay be coupled to the bladder and supported by the bladder. In someembodiments, the mechanical device comprises an electromechanicaldevice.

In some embodiments, the electromechanical device is adapted to open thevalve in coordination with the pump, which is adapted to providepressurized fluid to the compartment, to inflate the bladder.Optionally, the electromechanical device is adapted to open the valve,to deflate the bladder with fluid. In some embodiments, the pump iscoupled to the compartment through a hose. The pump may be housed withinan acoustical insulative material. In some embodiments, the compartmentis disposed along or within the profile of the inflatable bladder.

The inflatable device may be a mattress. The mattress may comprisesupplemental material, and a portion of the fluid controller is at leastpartially supported by the supplemental material. In some embodiments, aportion of the pump is at least partially supported by the supplementalmaterial. The pump may be supported by the inflatable bladder.

Another aspect of the invention is directed to an inflatable mattress,comprising: (A) a first inflatable bladder; (B) a second inflatablebladder disposed adjacent to the first inflatable bladder; (C) a fluidcontroller comprising: (i) a first valve coupled to and supported by thefirst bladder, the first valve being configured and arranged to controlthe flow of fluid into and out of the first bladder, the first valveforming a seal to maintain fluid in the first bladder in response tofluid pressure within the first bladder; (ii) a second valve coupled toand supported by the second bladder, the second valve being configuredand arranged to control the flow of fluid into and out of the firstbladder, the second valve forming a seal to maintain fluid in the secondbladder in response to fluid pressure within the second bladder; and(ii) an electromechanical device configured and arranged to open thefirst valve when the electromechanical device is in a first actuatedposition and to open the second valve when the electromechanical deviceis in a second actuated position; and (D) a compartment coupled to thebladder and configured and arranged to enclose the first valve and thesecond valve, the compartment being adapted to receive pressurized fluidfrom a pump.

In some embodiments, the compartment is flush with or within the profileof the mattress. In some embodiments, the compartment is v-shaped.Optionally, the electromechanical device is configured such that in thefirst actuated position and with pressurized fluid provided to thecompartment, the first bladder is filled with fluid and is configuredsuch that when the electromechanical device is in the second actuatedposition and pressurized fluid is provided to the compartment, thesecond bladder is filled with fluid. In some embodiments, thecompartment is flush with or within the profile of the first bladder andthe second bladder combined. The electromechanical device may comprisean actuator arm to open at least the first valve. The electromechanicaldevice may comprise an actuator arm to open both the first valve and thesecond valve. In some embodiments, the actuator arm is arcurate.

Another aspect of the invention is directed to an inflatable mattress,comprising: an inflatable bladder; an articulation apparatus comprising:a support structure to support the inflatable bladder above a floor, thesupport structure having a plurality of regions along a length of thesupport structure, and at least one joint, each at least one joint beinglocated intermediate adjacent ones of said regions.

In some embodiments, the articulation apparatus comprises a motor tomove at least one of the regions relative to another of the regions. Insome embodiments, the regions consist of a leg region, a torso region,and a head region. The inflatable device may be a mattress. Theinflatable device may be an air mattress. The inflatable device may beadapted to deflate upon actuation of the articulation device. Theinflatable device may be adapted to re-inflate upon subsequent actuationof the articulation device. In some embodiments, at least one of theregions is substantially continuous. In other embodiments, each of theregions is substantially continuous.

Another aspect of the invention is directed to an inflatable device,comprising a first inflatable bladder; and a second inflatable bladderdisposed adjacent to the first bladder, the first bladder and secondbladder being adapted, at corresponding first levels of inflation, tomaintain a body in a first body position, and at corresponding secondlevels of inflation, to maintain a body in a second body position.

The inflatable device may further comprise a comfort layer disposed onat least one of the first bladder and the second bladder. In someembodiments, the first body position is prone and the second bodyposition is reclined. In some embodiments, the first level of inflationof the first bladder is greater than the second level of inflation ofthe first bladder, and the first level of inflation of the secondbladder is greater than the second level of inflation of the secondbladder. The first bladder may be adapted to support the torso of a userand the second bladder is a pillow.

Yet another aspect of the invention is directed to an inflatable bodysupport device, comprising: an inflatable bladder; and a base releasablyconnected the inflatable bladder and adapted to support the inflatablebladder, the base comprising a compartment disposed beneath theinflatable bladder. The inflatable body support device may furthercomprise a frame releasably connected to the base and supporting theinflatable bladder above the compartment.

The inflatable bladder may be hingedly coupled to the base. In someembodiments, the inflatable bladder is hingedly coupled to the basethough a frame that is hingedly connected to the base. In someembodiments, the inflatable bladder is an air mattress. In otherembodiments, the inflatable bladder is a chair. The frame may be adaptedto one of slide, rotate or elevate the inflatable bladder relative thebase. In some embodiments, the inflatable body support device furthercomprises one of a rail, guides or tracks to enable one of the sliding,rotating and elevating of the inflatable bladder relative the base. Insome embodiments, the inflatable body support device further comprises alocking mechanism to maintain the inflatable bladder in an elevatedposition.

Yet another aspect of the invention is directed to a method of using aconfigurable inflatable device comprising an inflatable bladder and atleast one shape-defining member that combines with the inflatablebladder such that the overall shape of the inflatable bladder in aninflated condition and in combination with the shape-defining member issubstantially different from an inflated shape of the inflatable bladderalone, comprising acts of: adapting the at least one shape-definingmember to correspond to a first selected shape; inflating the inflatablebladder to attain the first selected shape; adapting the at least oneshape-defining member to correspond to a second selected shape; andinflating or deflating the bladder to attain the second selected shape.

The method may further comprise an act of using the inflatable devicewith a first part of the body while in the first selected shape andusing the inflatable device with a second part of the body while in thesecond selected shape. In some embodiments, the first act of adaptingforms a device suitable for use with the head and the second act ofadapting forms a device for use with one of the back and the legs. Insome embodiments, the act of inflating the bladder to a first selectedshape forms a bolster pillow of a first size, and the act of inflatingthe bladder to a second selected shape forms a bolster pillow of asecond size. In some embodiments, at least one of the first shape andthe second shape is non-cylindrical. In some embodiments, at least onefastener is directly connected to the inflatable bladder. In someembodiments, the act of adapting the at least one shape-defining memberto correspond to a second selected shape comprises adjusting a rigidmember.

Another aspect of the invention is directed to a method of using aconfigurable inflatable device comprising a bladder, comprising acts of:adapting the bladder to correspond to a first selected shape; inflatingthe inflatable bladder to attain the first selected shape; adapting thebladder to correspond to a second selected shape; and inflating ordeflating the bladder to attain the second selected shape. In someembodiments, one of the acts of adapting the bladder to correspond to afirst selected shape and adapting the bladder to correspond to a secondselected shape, comprises an act of folding the bladder.

Yet another aspect of the invention is directed to an inflatable airmattress, comprising: an inflatable bladder; and a heater adjacent tothe inflatable bladder. In some embodiment, the heater is comprised ofat least one resistive strip having an adhesive strip disposed on thebladder. In some embodiments, the bladder has a length, and the at leastone resistive strip runs along substantially the entire length of thebladder. The heater may be uniformly disposed along a dimension of themattress. In some embodiments, the heater is disposed along only aportion of the mattress.

Still another aspect of the invention is directed to a method of usingan inflatable device comprising an inflatable bladder, a surface layer,and a first intermediary layer disposed between the bladder and thesurface layer, comprising acts of: removing the first intermediarylayer; and placing a second intermediary layer in the location disposedbetween the bladder and the surface layer. In some embodiments, thefirst intermediary layer comprises at least of one of the followingmaterials: foam, cotton and down. In some embodiments, the firstintermediary layer and the second intermediary layer comprise the samematerials as one another. In some embodiments, the first intermediarylayer and the second intermediary layer comprise different materialsthan one another.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In thedrawings, each identical or nearly identical component that isillustrated in various figures is represented by a like numeral. Forpurposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in everydrawing. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a fluid movingdevice comprising a valve and an electromechanical device of theinvention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a fluid movingdevice comprising two valves and a plurality of actuating devices of theinvention;

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of theinvention, comprising a fluid moving device, two valves and an actuatordevice in a first condition;

FIG. 3B illustrates the embodiment of the invention of FIG. 3A in asecond condition;

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate another embodiment of an assembly of an actuatorin combination with a self-sealing valve of the invention;

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate exemplary embodiments of inflatable devices inwhich a portion of a fluid controller is coupled to an inflatablebladder and at least a portion of the fluid controller is supported bythe inflatable bladder;

FIGS. 6A-6C are illustrations of exemplary embodiments of a dual bladdermattress in which a first inflatable bladder and a second inflatablebladder are fluidly coupled to a common fluid controller;

FIGS. 7A-7C are illustrations of an exemplary embodiment of a mattressand related structure;

FIGS. 8A-8D are illustrations of an exemplary embodiment of aninflatable device which includes a multi-positional body support device;

FIGS. 9A-9B are schematic illustrations of embodiments of an inflatabledevice comprising a storage compartment;

FIGS. 10A-10C, illustrate embodiments of an inflatable device includingan inflatable bladder combined with a membrane;

FIGS. 11A-11D, illustrate exemplary embodiments of a configurableinflatable device comprising an inflatable bladder in combination withan outer membrane;

FIGS. 12A-12B, illustrate exemplary embodiments including inflatablebladders attached to an outer membrane using fasteners;

FIGS. 13A-13H, illustrate further exemplary embodiments in whichinflatable bladders are attached to an outer membrane;

FIGS. 14-15 illustrate additional embodiments of a configurableinflatable device including an inflatable bladder having a valve forinflation and deflation which may be enclosed, or partially enclosed,within a covering layer;

FIGS. 16-18 illustrate a configurable inflatable device configured as apillow, which may serve as a neck or leg support at a first level ofinflation and as a lumbar support at a second level of inflation; and

FIGS. 19-20 illustrate yet a further embodiment of an inflatable deviceable to perform different functions at different levels of inflation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This invention is not limited in its application to the details ofconstruction and the arrangement of components set forth in thefollowing description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention iscapable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carriedout in various ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology used hereinis for the purpose of description and should not be regarded aslimiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having,”“containing,” “involving,” and variations thereof herein, is meant toencompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well asadditional items.

As used herein, “inflatable” is to be understood as able to be inflatedby any fluid such as, for example, a gas, air, a liquid, and the like.As used herein, an “inflatable device” comprises at least one fluidimpermeable bladder that can be inflated and sealed, and may comprisemany shapes, sizes, constructions, and materials.

An aspect of the invention relates to a self-sealing valve that can beused in conjunction with an electromechanical device to bias open thevalve. In particular, in one embodiment, the invention relates to aself-sealing valve that can open under the pressure of a fluid movingdevice to inflate an inflatable device, and that can close underpressure from fluid within the inflatable device, without any assistancefrom an electromechanical device. In this embodiment, theelectromechanical device is used to bias open the valve to at leastpartially deflate the inflatable device, for example, to adjust anamount of fluid within the inflatable device, and also to substantiallydeflate the inflatable device. For example, the self-sealing valve canbe opened by the electromechanical device for a short duration to adjustthe amount of fluid in the inflatable device, and can be biased open tosubstantially deflate the inflatable device. Alternatively, in this orany of the following embodiments described herein, theelectro-mechanical device may also be used to open the valve duringinflation.

In another embodiment, the invention comprises an electromechanicaldevice coupled to a self-sealing valve, wherein the electromechanicaldevice comprises an actuator arm that is not connected to the valve, butinstead can be moved into contact with the self-sealing valve to biasopen the self-sealing valve. In this embodiment, in the closed position,or any position other than an open position, the electromechanicaldevice and the actuator arm may not be in contact with the self-sealingvalve assembly. Another embodiment of the invention comprises anelectromechanical device and two valve assemblies, one for each fluidimpermeable bladder of an inflatable device comprising at least twofluid impermeable bladders. In this embodiment, the electromechanicaldevice can be used to bias open one self-sealing valve at a time, toadjust an amount of fluid within the fluid impermeable bladder coupledto the respective self-sealing valve, or to substantially deflate thefluid impermeable bladder. Other embodiments of the invention will bedescribed infra.

As will be disclosed herein, some of the advantages of the variousembodiments of the invention include substantially reduced powerrequirements for the electromechanical actuation device andsubstantially reduced cycles of operation for the electromechanicalactuation device, compared with conventional valve and solenoidcombinations. Another advantage is that a plurality of electromechanicaldevices including, for example, solenoids and motors can be used incombination with at least one self-sealing valve. Still anotheradvantage is that the valve and electromechanical device of theinvention can flexibly be used to provide a plurality of adjustmentfunctions, such as, providing minor inflation/deflation adjustments forcomfort control of an inflatable device, as well as substantialinflation or deflation of the inflatable device.

By contrast, in conventional apparatus, solenoids have been used inconjunction with valves for inflatable devices. In such inflatabledevices, the valves typically employ a spring to maintain the valves ina normally biased closed position. A solenoid is typically provided withthe valve and is typically sized and arranged to overcome the force ofthe spring biasing the valve closed so as to open the valve. Suchsolenoids are typically center mounted with the diaphragm of the valve.In such arrangements, the force of the spring biasing the valve closedhas to be greater than a maximum internal air pressure within aninflatable device, so as to maintain the valve in a closed position whenthe inflatable device is inflated. Accordingly, the solenoid has to besized and arranged to provide a force greater than the force provided bythe spring in order to open the valve. In addition, since the springnormally biases the valve closed, the solenoid typically has to beenergized to open the valve both for the purpose of inflating aninflatable device and also for the purpose of exhausting air from theinflatable device.

This arrangement results in a long operating cycle of the solenoid toeither inflate the inflatable device or deflate the inflatable device,since the solenoid must be energized for the entire time of inflation ordeflation. In addition, the solenoid has to be sized so as to provideenough force to overcome the force provided by the spring maintainingthe valve in a closed position, and therefore is typically a large,power consuming, and expensive solenoid device. In addition, thisarrangement suffers from the infirmity that the amount of fluid that canbe provided to the inflatable device and exhausted from the inflatabledevice are typically the same, since the valve can typically only beopened to a single position or closed by the solenoid. Further, thesolenoid electromechanical assembly typically restricts the fluidpathway, thus requiring a substantial inflation or deflation time forthe inflatable device. For example, Select Comfort® makes an inflatablemattress with this typical arrangement that takes on the order of about10 minutes to inflate. Thus, this arrangement suffers from the infirmityof not being able to control an amount of fluid within the inflatabledevice in sufficient time frames. In particular, the time to fine tunethe level of inflation of an inflatable device by this arrangement istypically too long.

It is to be appreciated that the valve and electromechanical devicecombination of the invention can be used as an alternative or areplacement to the stand alone valve of an inflatable device. Forexample, the valve and electromechanical device of the invention can beused within the fluid moving device and valve combination disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 5,267,363 (hereinafter the “'363 patent”) and U.S. Pat.No. 5,367,726 (hereinafter the “'726”), which are herein incorporated byreference, to inflate and control an amount of fluid within aninflatable mattress. It should also be appreciated that although thevalve and electromechanical device combination of the invention isillustrated and can be used to inflate, deflate and control an amount offluid within generally an inflatable device, the combination can be usedwith any inflatable device, such as, for example: inflatable furniture,or sporting items such as chairs, mattresses and pillows; inflatablesafety devices, such as life preservers, barriers, bumpers, and pads;inflatable medical devices, such as supports, casts, and braces;inflatable luggage devices such as, padding and luggage lining material;inflatable recreational devices, such as swimming aids, floats, tubes,and rings; inflated vehicles and vehicle components, such as boats,rafts, and tires; inflatable support structures, such as buildings,portable enclosures, platforms, ramps, and the like; inflatable bodysupport devices, such as seats, back supports, body pillows, and thelike.

It should also be appreciated that any of the valve andelectromechanical device combinations of the invention, as disclosedinfra, can be used in conjunction with any fluid moving device, such asthat disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,653 herein incorporated byreference; that disclosed in pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/859,706, herein incorporated by reference; and that disclosed inpending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/113,836 herein incorporatedby reference.

It is further to be appreciated that the valve and electromechanicaldevice combination of the invention is typically used over the pressurerange anywhere from approximately 0 to 1 pound per square inch(hereinafter “psi”). However, it should also be appreciated that thevalve and electromechanical device combination of the invention can beused at any pressure above about 1 psi and at which the valve andelectromechanical device still function properly such as, for example,to provide a seal of the inflatable device which can be biased open bythe electromechanical device, and that such pressure ranges are withinthe scope of the invention. It is to be understood that as used herein,a range of approximately 0 to about 1 psi is understood to be a lowpressure range, a range of approximately 1 to 2 psi is understood to bea medium pressure range, and a range of approximately 2 to 5 psi isunderstood to be a relatively high pressure range.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a cross-sectional view ofone embodiment of a valve and electromechanical device combinationaccording to aspects of the invention. In particular, there isillustrated a fluid moving device 100 that can be at least partiallywithin an inflatable device 12 or coupled to the inflatable device 12having an outer wall 14 that is a fluid impermeable bladder. Inparticular, the fluid impermeable bladder 14 separates an exterior ofthe inflatable device from an interior 16 of the inflatable device. Inthis embodiment, the valve 10 comprises an outer wall 20 and a valvewall 24 defining a circular opening 26 through which a fluid may betransferred to and from the interior 16 of the inflatable device. Thecircular opening preferably has a diameter of about 1″ or greater.However, it should be appreciated that the diameter can also be lessthan approximately 1″, such as, in the range of ⅜″ to ¾″ so as to becoupled to a tubing having a diameter in this range. The valve alsocomprises a tapered wall from the opening 26 of diameter 25 to the outerwall 20 of increased diameter 30, to create a tapered valve seat 28. Theself-sealing valve also comprises a diaphragm 40 that is generallycircular, deformable, flexible, and for this embodiment has a diameterthat is less than the larger diameter region 30, and greater than thesmaller diameter 25 of opening 26.

However, it should be appreciated that according to the invention, thediaphragm 40 can be of any shape, material, size and construction solong as it provides a sufficient seal of the inflatable device. In theillustrated embodiment, the valve 10 comprises a self-sealing valve, inwhich the diaphragm 40, in the closed position, mates with the valveseat 28 to seal the opening 26. In one embodiment, a flexible diaphragmassembly comprises diaphragm 40 which is supported by a diaphragmsupport 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the diaphragm support 42 ishingedly connected to a wall 24, so that it can be opened and closedabout a hinge point connection. However, it should be appreciated thatthe diaphragm support 42 in combination with the diaphragm 40 of thevalve 10, can be any of a plurality of structures that may beself-sealing, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,621, hereinincorporated by reference. In other words, the flexible diaphragmassembly may be constructed in any manner that allows the diaphragm toopen under the influence of fluid provided by the fluid moving device110, and to close at a suitable fluid pressure within the inflatabledevice 16, in the absence of fluid from the fluid moving device. Itshould further be appreciated that the self-sealing valve 10 cancomprise many different variations, as known to those of skill in theart such as, for example, a flexible diaphragm without a diaphragmsupport. Typically, the diaphragm support 42 is constructed from arelatively rigid plastic material, and the diaphragm 40 may be connectedto the diaphragm support in any manner that permits the diaphragm 40 tobe positioned within the opening 26, and to open from the influence of afluid provided by the fluid moving device 110 and also from an influenceprovided by the electromechanical device 50.

Thus, according to one embodiment of the invention, the valve 10 is aself-sealing valve that opens under the influence of a fluid from thefluid moving device 110 to pressurize the inflatable device 16, and thatcloses to retain fluid within the inflatable device 16 in the absence ofsuch fluid. In this embodiment, the self-seal is accomplished by a fluidpressure within the inflatable device 12 biasing the diaphragm 40against the valve seat 28.

It is to be appreciated that the electromechanical device 50 may be anydevice that is capable of biasing the self-sealing valve 10 to an openposition. Some examples of electromechanical devices that may be usedwith the invention include solenoids and electrical motors, such asmotors that have at least two positions, which can be arranged tocorrespond to an open position and a closed position of the self-sealingvalve 10. For example, as will be discussed in further detail infra, anelectric motor can be used to bias open the self-sealing valve in afirst position, and in a second position to allow the self-sealing valve10 to close. Alternatively, another example is an electric motorcomprising a suitable arrangement of gears having at least twopositions, that can be adapted with the self-sealing valve to bias openand allow the valve 10 to close.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the electromechanical device 50 includes anactuator arm 52, that is biased by the electromechanical device 50 toopen the valve 10 (as illustrated) by acting on a portion of the valve.As illustrated in FIG. 1, in one embodiment of the invention, theactuator arm 52 is coupled to, is directly connected to, or is a portionof a moving portion of a solenoid 50, which can be energized to bias theactuator arm to open the valve 10, by biasing the diaphragm 40 away fromthe valve seat 28. It is to be appreciated that the actuator arm 52 mayact on any portion of the valve 10, so as to bias the valve 10 open,such as against the diaphragm 40 or against the diaphragm support 42. Itis also to be appreciated that according to this embodiment of theinvention, there is a reduced force required to bias open the valve 10.Since the diaphragm support 42 is mounted by a hinge point to the frame20, the actuator arm 52 can act on a portion of the diaphragm 40 or thediaphragm support 42 opposite the hinge point. In particular, theactuator arm 52 acts on a portion of the diaphragm 40 or the diaphragmsupport 42 remote from the hinge point of the valve 10 to the wall 24.Accordingly, the combination of the solenoid 50 and the self-sealingvalve 10 have the advantage that there is less force needed to actuatethe valve to the open position at the portion of the valve remote fromthe hinge point, than at the hinge point. In particular, the furtheraway from the hinge point that the actuator arm contacts the diaphragm40 or the valve arm 42, the smaller the force that is needed to bias thevalve 10 to an open position with the electromechanical device.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the electromechanicaldevice 50 and the actuator arm 52 are energized to move either of thediaphragm 40 and the support arm 42 away from the valve seat 28, so asto break the seal of the self-sealing valve 10, so as to either regulateor substantially alter an amount of fluid within the inflatable device12. In particular, a shaded portion 53 of the actuator arm 52illustrates the valve arm in a first position which is used tosubstantially bias open the self-sealing valve 10. In addition, adarkened portion of the actuator arm 52 illustrates the valve in asecond position, in which it has been allowed to close by the solenoid50 and the actuator arm 52, such that the actuator arm no longer isbiasing the diaphragm 40 or the diaphragm support 42 substantially awayfrom the valve seat. Accordingly, it is to be appreciated that the firstposition of the actuator arm of the solenoid 50 can be used tosubstantially open the self-sealing valve, and that the second positionof the actuator arm can be used to allow the valve to operate under itsnormal condition, so as to open under the influence of fluid provided byfluid moving device 110, and so as to close upon sufficient fluid withinthe inflatable device 12. It is to be appreciated that the firstposition of the actuator arm can be configured so as to substantiallyopen the valve for a longer duration so as to substantially deflate theinflatable device 12, or it can be configured to substantially open thevalve for a short duration so as to regulate an amount of fluid withinthe inflatable device 12. In other words, to provide for controlledfluid pressure within the inflatable device, for example, to adjust acomfort level of the inflatable device. As previously stated, anyembodiment herein described may also employ activation of theelectro-mechanical device during inflation.

Referring to FIG. 2, there is illustrated in cross section anotherembodiment of a self-sealing valve in combination with anelectromechanical device of the invention. It is to be appreciated thatlike reference numbers in FIG. 2 to FIG. 1, correspond to like parts andthat for the sake of brevity the description of each part will notherein be repeated. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the combination of theself-sealing valve and electromechanical device of the invention arepart of a fluid control device 100 that inflates, deflates and regulatesan amount of fluid within an inflatable device. The fluid control device100 includes a pump 110 and multiple self-sealing valves 10, incombination with respective electromechanical devices 50. In theembodiment of FIG. 2, each combination of a self-sealing valve and anelectromechanical device operates independently, however it is to beappreciated that a plurality of self-sealing valves may operate incombination with one or more electromechanical devices such asillustrated in FIGS. 3A-3B, and that such combinations may also operateindependently or dependently.

As is illustrated in FIG. 2, in one illustrative condition, the lowervalve is biased to a substantially opened position by actuator arm 52and solenoid 50, so as to at least partially exhaust air from a fluidimpermeable bladder coupled to the lower valve. In addition, as isillustrated in FIG. 2, in another illustrative condition, the uppervalve 10 can be opened under the influence of fluid provided by the pump110, while the actuator arm is in a position allowing the valve 10 tooperate in a normal manner (illustrated as opening up under theinfluence of fluid from the fluid moving device 100), so as to inflatethe fluid impermeable bladder coupled to the upper valve. It is to beappreciated that in the illustrated condition of the upper valve,operating in a normal manner (not under influence from theelectromechanical device) that the valve 10 can also close to self-sealthe fluid impermeable bladder, in the absence of fluid form the fluidmoving device, and with sufficient fluid in the impermeable bladder. Itis also to be appreciated that either self-sealing valve andelectromechanical device combinations can operate in either manner, andthat the conditions of the valves illustrated in FIG. 2 are forillustration purposes only. With this arrangement, the fluid controldevice 100 is used to inflate, deflate, and adjust an amount of fluidwithin two fluid impermeable bladders, each coupled to a respective oneof the upper and lower self-sealing valves. Accordingly, the embodimentof the invention as illustrated in FIG. 2 is useful for inflatabledevices with at least 2 bladders such as, for example, a doubleinflatable mattress with separate comfort zones for two different users,each zone having a separate bladder.

The embodiment of FIG. 2 may also comprise a third electromechanicaldevice 60, which biases a control arm 105 to one of two positions toeither allow air to be provided to or exhausted from a fluid impermeablebladder coupled to the upper valve, or the fluid impermeable bladdercoupled to the lower valve. In particular, third electromechanicaldevice 60 biases rotating arm 105 so as to seal off one of theself-sealing valves from the fluid moving device, so that fluid can onlybe provided to or exhausted from one fluid impermeable bladder at atime. For example, the upper fluid impermeable bladder may be filledwith fluid from the fluid moving device 110, wherein the self-sealingvalve opens up under pressure of fluid provided by the fluid movingdevice 110. With this condition, the rotating arm 105 is rotated underinfluence from the electromechanical device to a position to seal of thelower self-sealing valve from the fluid moving device, such that fluidis prevented from being provided to the fluid impermeable bladdercoupled to the lower self-sealing valve. It is to be appreciated thatwith this arrangement, the rotating arm can also be rotated to a secondposition to seal off the upper self-sealing valve from the fluid movingdevice, such that fluid is prevented from being provided to the fluidimpermeable bladder coupled to the upper self-sealing valve. In thesecond position of the rotating arm, fluid can be exhausted from orprovided to the impermeable bladder coupled to the lower self-sealingvalve. In other words, in one embodiment of the fluid controller device100 of FIG. 2, only one of the two fluid impermeable bladders may beinflated or exhausted at any one time. It is thus to be appreciated thatwith the arrangement of FIG. 2, one fluid impermeable bladder can not beinflated at the same time that the second bladder is to be deflated.

Referring now to FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, there is illustrated in crosssection another embodiment of the invention having at least twodifferent operating positions. In particular, although theelectromechanical device of the invention can comprise a solenoid asdiscussed above, it may also comprise a motor 62 that can be used tobias the actuator arm 64. It is to be appreciated that like referencenumbers in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B to that of FIGS. 1 and 2, represent likeparts, and the description of each part is not necessarily repeated forthe sake of brevity. In the embodiment of FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the motorand actuator arm have at least two positions that can each be used tooperate on a respective self-sealing valve 10. In particular, as isillustrated in FIG. 3A, in a first position the motor biases theactuator arm 64 so as to substantially move the flexible diaphragm ofthe lower self-sealing valve away from the valve seat 28 so as tosubstantially open the fluid pathway, to at least partially exhaust airfrom an inflatable bladder coupled to the lower self-sealing valve. Inaddition, the motor can move the actuator arm to a second position so asto allow the lower valve to operate under normal self-sealingconditions, such as to self seal with sufficient fluid within the fluidimpermeable bladder coupled to the lower self-sealing valve, and so asto open under sufficient pressure of fluid provided by the fluid movingdevice 110. In one embodiment, in the second position of the motor 62,the actuator arm is configured to bias the upper valve to asubstantially open position (with the flexible diaphragm at leastpartially moved away from the valve seat 28), so as to at leastpartially exhaust air from an inflatable bladder coupled to the upperself-sealing valve. Alternatively, in another embodiment of theinvention, the second position of the motor and actuator arm may be aposition in which neither self-sealing valve is biased open by theactuator arm, as is illustrated in FIG. 3B. In this embodiment, themotor may also comprise a third position, in which the motor can biasthe actuator arm to a position so as to substantially open the upperself-sealing valve, so as to at least partially exhaust air from a fluidimpermeable bladder coupled to the upper self-sealing valve.

In one embodiment, the motor can also be used to rotate a rotating arm105 so as to seal off one of the self-sealing valves from the fluidmoving device, so that fluid can only be provided to one fluidlyimpermeable bladder at a time. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3A,the upper fluid impermeable bladder may be filled by fluid from thefluid moving device 110, wherein the self-sealing valve opens up underpressure of fluid provided by the fluid moving device 110. For thisposition, the rotating arm 105 is rotated under influence from the motorto a position to seal off the lower self-sealing valve from the fluidmoving device, such that fluid is prevented from being provided to thefluid impermeable bladder coupled to the lower self-sealing valve. It isto be appreciated that with this arrangement, the rotating arm can alsobe rotated to a second position to seal off the upper self-sealing valvefrom the fluid moving device, such that fluid is prevented from beingprovided to the fluid impermeable bladder coupled to the upperself-sealing valve. In this second position of the rotating arm, fluidcan be exhausted from or provided to the fluid impermeable bladdercoupled to the lower self-sealing valve.

With any of the embodiments discussed above, a method of inflating anddeflating at least one fluid impermeable bladder and regulating anamount of fluid within the at least one fluid impermeable is provided bythe invention. In particular, in one embodiment, the self-sealing valvecan be biased open under the influence of fluid provided by the fluidmoving device so as to inflate the inflatable device. Upon sufficientfluid pressure within the inflatable device, the self-sealing valve isbiased to the closed position by the fluid pressure within theinflatable device. An electromechanical device is used to regulate anamount of fluid within the inflatable device or to substantially deflatean amount of fluid within the inflatable device. In addition, forembodiments of inflatable devices comprising at least two bladders, theabove acts can be supplemented by providing fluid through a secondelectromechanical device and self-sealing valve to a second fluidimpermeable bladder, and the second electromechanical device andself-sealing valve can be used so as to either regulate an amount offluid within the inflatable device or to substantially alter the amountof fluid from within the second fluid impermeable bladder.

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate another embodiment of an assembly of anelectromechanical device in combination with a self-sealing valve of theinvention. This embodiment comprises a self-sealing valve assembly 80,such as, as has been described infra. The self-sealing valve assemblycomprises a flexible diaphragm 40 and a diaphragm support 42 thatpositions the diaphragm within an opening through which fluid can besupplied to or exhausted from an inside 16 of fluid impermeable bladder14. The self-sealing valve assembly also includes a projecting arm 82from the diaphragm support 42, that is configured to interact with aportion 86 of an actuator arm 84. The assembly also comprises a cover 81having a surface 83 that also interacts with the portion 86 of theactuator arm 84. The actuator arm 84 and portion 86 are configured tobias the cover 81 upward so as to open the cover, and are alsoconfigured to bias the projecting arm 82 so as to push the diaphragmsupport 42 and diaphragm 40 at least partially away from valve seat 28,as illustrated in FIG. 4B, when a deflate lever 88 is depressed, forexample, by a finger 90 of a user. The assembly also comprises aninflate lever 92, which can also be depressed by the finger 90 of theuser so as to move the actuator arm into contact with the surface 83 ofthe cover 81 so as to open the cover, as illustrated in FIG. 4C. Whilethe lever 92 is illustrated as being moved by a finger, anelectromechanical device may be used to move the actuator arm. Theinflate lever is also configured, when depressed, to contact and bias apower switch 94 to energize a fluid moving device to supply fluid fromthe fluid moving device to the self-sealing valve 80, as is alsoillustrated in FIG. 4C.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 4A-4C, the actuator arm alsocomprises spring assembly 96, which maintains the actuator arm 84 in anat rest position, which is disengaged from the cover 81 and theself-sealing valve 80. By depressing the deflate lever 88, the actuatorarm is urged into contact with the surface 83 of the cover 81 and theprojecting arm 82 of the self-sealing valve assembly, so as to bias openthe cover and to bias open the self-sealing valve 80 for the purpose ofdeflating the inflatable device, as illustrated in FIG. 4B. Bydepressing the inflate level 92, the actuator arm 84 is urged intocontact with the surface 83 of the cover 81 so as to bias open the coverto inflate the inflatable device as illustrated in FIG. 4C. Asillustrated in FIG. 4C, the inflate lever both turns on the fluid movingdevice to provide fluid to the inflatable device and also biases openthe cover for the purpose of providing fluid to the inflatable device.

In this embodiment, the self-sealing valve is configured to open undersufficient fluid pressure from the fluid moving device, when the coveris biased open by depressing the inflate lever, in the absence of anybiasing open of the self-sealing valve from the actuator arm 84. Theself-sealing valve is also configured to close in the absence of suchfluid pressure from the fluid moving device and in the absence of anybias from the actuator device, with sufficient fluid pressure within thefluid impermeable bladder 16, to a closed position. The self-sealingvalve is further configured to at least partially open to allow fluid toescape through the self-sealing valve from the inflatable device toregulate an amount of fluid within the inflatable device, when the coverand the self-sealing valve is biased open by the actuator arm, bydepressing the inflate lever.

It should be appreciated that although FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate anembodiment of a actuator device and valve assembly comprising a singleself-sealing valve, there may be provided a plurality of suchself-sealing valves, for example along a row within a common housing 98,all coupled to the fluid moving device, and all provided with arespective deflate lever 88, inflate lever 92, and spring assembly 96comprising actuator arm 84, so as to be able to respectively bias openand close each self-sealing valve assembly for the purpose of inflatingand deflating a plurality of fluid impermeable bladders within aninflatable device. In other words, the assembly of FIGS. 4A-4C can beused to fill, deflate and control a fluid level within an inflatabledevice that comprises a plurality of fluid impermeable bladders, eachhaving an assembly as illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C, so as to be able tocontrol the fluid pressure within each fluid impermeable bladderindependently, and with the added advantage of only having to use asingle fluid moving device. It is to be appreciated that the fluidmoving device may be located remotely from the self-sealing valve andthe electromechanical assembly.

FIG. 5A is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of an inflatabledevice 500 according to another aspect of the invention in which aportion of a fluid controller 510 is coupled to an inflatable bladder505 and is physically supported by inflatable bladder 505. Fluidcontroller 510 is comprised of valve 520, an electromechanical device530, a sealing bather 540, a pump 550, and electronics for powering thepump on and off. In the illustrated embodiment, inflatable device 500 isan inflatable air mattress, which can be provided in a variety of shapesand sizes, such as, for example, those common to everyday bedding, knowngenerally as “twin,” “full,” “queen” and “king” sizes. However, theinvention is not limited to mattresses and any suitable inflatabledevice may be used to support the portion of the fluid controlleraccording to the present aspect of the invention.

According to the present aspect of the invention, at least valve 520 iscoupled to the inflatable bladder 505 and is supported by the bladder505. Valve 520 may be a self sealing valve as described above withreference to FIGS. 4A-4C and configured in a similar manner. Valve 520is arranged such that an actuator arm 532 of electromechanical device530 can bias the cover 522 upward so as to open the cover, and push thediaphragm 542 at least partially away from valve seat 528 so as to allowinflation of bladder 505 if pressured air is provided from pump 550, anddeflation of the bladder in the absence of pressurized air. For example,the air released during deflation may exit through the pump, althoughpump may or may not actively draw the air out.

Electromechanical device 530 operates to open valve 520 when theinflatable device is to be inflated. In some embodiment,electromechanical device 530 is located within compartment 545. It is tobe appreciated that valve 520 can be adapted to close due to airpressure in compartment without actuation of electromechanical device,as described herein above. In some embodiments, it is advantageous thatelectromechanical device 530 be coupled to the bladder and supported bythe bladder. The electromechanical device may, for example, be a motoror a solenoid as described above. Electricity can be provided to theelectromechanical device in any suitable manner, such as, through a portthat maintains the ability of the pump to suitably pressurize thecompartment, as described below. In some embodiments electromechanicaldevice 530 may be replaced by a non-electric, mechanical device suchthat the device can be operated by pressing a button mechanicallycoupled to the valve.

Barrier 540 may be any suitable structure capable of forming acompartment 545 capable of limiting the flow of air from the inside ofthe compartment to the ambient surrounding of the bladder, such thatwhen pressurized air is provided from the pump to the compartment,sufficient pressure can be achieved to fill inflatable bladder 505. Insome embodiments, the compartment is air tight and the pump couples tothe compartment in an airtight manner. In embodiments in which valve 520is a self sealing valve, the pressure provided by pump 550 may push thediaphragm open to fill the bladder. However, in other embodiments, asdescribed above the electromechanical device pushes the diaphragm opento allow filling of the bladder. In some embodiments, barrier 540 iscapable of connecting to pump 550. However, a hose may be used to couplethe pump to the barrier.

Pump 550 may be connected directly to inflatable device 500 or may belocated remotely and coupled to the inflatable device by a suitable hose(not shown). In some applications, locating of the motor in a locationremote from the mattress may be desirable to reduce the amount of noisefrom the motor that is perceivable by a person lying on the inflatabledevice 500. For example a pump located remotely may be placed on thefloor directly underneath the bed or in a location across a room fromthe mattress. In such applications where it is desirable to locate apump remotely, it may also be desirable to wrap the motor in a soundinsulative material or otherwise house the pump to reduce noise.

Barrier 540 may be a molded plastic part suitably coupled to inflatabledevice 500 to limit air flow to the ambient surroundings as describedabove. In some embodiments, compartment 545 has a profile that is flushwith or within the profile of bladders (illustrated by dashed line 552).In such embodiments, it is possible the fluid compartment containing thevalve and perhaps electromechanical device fit within a bed frame withwhich the mattress is used. Compartment 545 may have any suitable shape.

In some embodiments, the fluid controller 510 may include a controlpanel 560 that may be located, for example, on a bed frame, therebyallowing a user easy access to the control panel. Using the controlpanel, a user may control inflation/deflation of the inflatable bladder,and thus the firmness of the mattress.

It is to be appreciated that in embodiments in which the valve iscoupled to the inflatable bladder and forms a seals with the inflatablebladder to maintain fluid in inflatable device 500 as described above,pump 550 need not form an airtight seal to maintain fluid in inflatabledevice 500; and in embodiments in which the pump 550 is connected to thecompartment by a hose, the hose need not be airtight. It is further tobe appreciated that because of the reduced demands on the air tightcharacteristics of the pump and/or hose the use of a pump providinghigher air volumes is facilitated and, as such the air mattress can befilled at a higher rate. For example, a mattress may be filled in lessthan one minute. One benefit of filling at a high rate is that anindividual lying on the inflatable device can perceive the change insupport and select a level of filling according to feel (i.e., tactily).

FIGS. 5B and 5C are schematic illustrations of an exemplary embodimentof a mattress and fluid controller as described above with reference toFIG. 5A. In the illustrated embodiment, mattress 500 comprisesadditional materials that at least partially surround the inflatablebladder 505 (collectively referred to as supplemental material).Supplemental material may be materials common to everyday mattresses,such as a stitched or quilted surface layer 506 of a natural orsynthetic fabric. The mattress may also include at least oneinnerspring, as well as any or all of foam, cotton, down, or othernatural or synthetic fibers for cushioning, support and comfort, whichmay be located at or near the mattress top surface or side walls. Themattress may also include a top central surface, located above theinflatable bladder 505, for sleeping and/or reclining. There may also bean intermediary layer 504 of material above the bladder and beneath thesurface layer of the mattress. The intermediary layer may comprise foam,cotton, down or other natural or synthetic fibers, and the mattress maybe so constructed to allow interchangeability of the intermediary layerto provide users with additional sleep surface options. Accordingly, auser of the mattress can select the feel of the mattress by selectingthe intermediate layer. Mattress 500 usually additionally includes abottom surface and side walls that support the at least one inflatablebladder 505, the fluid controller 510 and additional materials.

According to the illustrated embodiment of the invention, mattress 500comprises a fluid controller 510 coupled to an inflatable bladder 505,wherein the fluid controller 510 is at least partially supported by anelement of the mattress structure. For example, referring to FIG. 5C,the mattress includes a perimeter structure 508 surrounding the at leastone inflatable bladder, and the fluid controller is located within theperimeter structure, as shown. Optionally, fluid controller 510 may beintegrated into the mattress structure within a foam or other mattressfilling material, such that it is not a free-standing, separatecomponent.

As shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, the mattress structure may further includea frame 570 that supports the mattress, for example, supporting themattress above the floor. In one embodiment (not illustrated), the framemay also support one or more components of fluid controller 510. Forexample, the one or more components of the fluid controller may beembedded within or attached to the frame.

In some embodiments, for example, in dual occupancy mattresses (such asqueen or king sizes), the mattress may include two inflatable bladdersseparated by a separating element. In this case, each inflatable bladdermay include its own fluid controller, or may be linked to a common fluidcontroller as discussed in greater detail below with reference to FIGS.6A and 6B. In such embodiments, each fluid controller may be coupled toa separate or common control panels 612 for control by a user.

FIG. 6A is a schematic illustration of a dual mattress embodiment 600 ofaspects of the present the invention in which a first inflatable bladder605A and a second inflatable bladder 605B are fluidly coupled to acommon fluid controller. In the illustrated embodiment, portions of thefluid controller are maintained with a V-shaped compartment 645. FIG. 6Bis perspective view of dual mattress 600 having a V-shaped compartment645 and a pump 650.

FIG. 6C is a schematic illustration of the details of an exemplary fluidcontroller for use with a dual mattress embodiment of the invention.Valves 620 a and 620 b (e.g., self sealing valves) are connected to theright side mattress 605 b and the left side mattress 605 a,respectively. Barrier 640 is substantially within a profile 606 of themattress. In the illustrated embodiment, pump 650 is illustrated asconnected to the compartment. However, the pump may be coupled to thecompartment through a hose as described above.

Barrier 640 may be connected to valves 620 a and 620 b, as illustratedto form compartment 645. In such an embodiment, the compartment iscoupled to the inflatable bladders 605 a and 605 b through the valves.Alternatively, the barrier may be connected to the bladder to formcompartment 645. In some embodiments, the barrier may be connected tothe bladder such that the bladder forms one or more sides of thecompartment.

In the illustrated embodiment, a single electromechanical device 630 maybe operated to bias actuator arm 635 to open one of valves 620 a and 620b while the pump 650 is operated to fill a corresponding mattress 605 a,605 b. As described above the arm may displace both the valve cover andthe diaphragm or the may only displace the cover, such that air pressurefrom the pump displaces the diaphragm. Electromechanical device 630typically operates in three positions: displaced to the left to openvalve 620 a; displaced to the right to open valve 620 b; and in aneutral position, in which neither valve is open. In the illustratedembodiment, arm 635 has an arcurate shape and electromechanical devicehas a gear train that moves the in an accurate path (illustrated bydashed line 632) formed by the arm. However, arm 635 may be made of anysuitable shape (e.g., straight) and moved in a appropriate manner toopen valves 620 a, 620 b.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7C, in some embodiments, a mattress 705 maybe accompanied by additional features, for example, a heater 710 and/oran articulation apparatus 775. The heater may be any suitable heater.For example, in an air filled mattress, heater 710 may be located alongthe entire bottom of mattress 705. In some embodiments, the heater isdisposed uniformly along the length or width of the mattress. The term“uniformly” means covering completely, or evenly spaced along adimension of the mattress. Alternatively, due to heat transferproperties of air, a heater may be located in just a portion of thebottom of the mattress (e.g., corner of the mattress). FIG. 7Cillustrates an embodiment of a mattress having a pump 750 and a heater710 comprising an adhesive, resistive strip that runs along the lengthof the mattress. Electricity is applied to strip to generate heat. Theresistive strip provides heat to a central portion of the mattress, andheat dispersive characteristics of air disperse the heat substantiallyuniformly in the mattress. Although a single strip is illustrated, aplurality of strips may be used, and the one or more strips may bealigned in any suitable direction along the mattress.

Referring again to FIG. 7A, articulation apparatus 775 may be anysuitable structure capable of raising or lowering a portion of themattress. In the illustrated embodiment, the articulation devicecomprises a motor 780 and mattress support 790. The motor may be anysuitable motor capable of raising either one or both of a head region705 a and a leg region 705 c of the mattress, relative to a torso region705 b.

Mattress support 790 may be any suitable structure capable ofmanipulating a mattress, as powered by motor 780. As illustrated in FIG.7B, mattress support 790 may be a substantially continuous structurecapable of bending at selected locations 792 a, 792 b or having suitablejoints (e.g., hinges) at the selected locations. The term “substantiallycontinuous” means capable of keeping the mattress from falling in into agap so as to form a non-supportive region of the mattress. For example,a substantially continuous structure may comprise a 1) series of bars orbands, each extending across the width W, the bands being suitablespaced to avoid non-supportive regions, or 2) a continuous flat slab,possibly having through holes for providing electricity to a fluidcontroller.

It is to be appreciated that raising or lowering of a region of themattress may be accompanied with deflation of the mattress 705 to helpassure that the mattress remains in contact with mattress support 790and bends more continuously and accurately. The mattress may bere-inflated as the mattress is made more flat. Thedeflation/re-inflation may be controlled by a human being or may beautomatically coordinated with articulation of the mattress by, forexample, measuring the pressure in mattress during articulation.Optionally, a controller may be included to achieve automaticarticulation.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A-8C, according to another aspect of theinvention, an inflatable device 810 includes a multi-positional bodysupport device including a first inflatable bladder 812 and a secondinflatable bladder 814. Bladder 812 and bladder 814 are disposedadjacent to one another. In some embodiments, they may be coupledtogether, and in some embodiments they are connected together, such thatthey share a common wall.

In the illustrated embodiment, the inflatable device 810 includes afirst inflatable bladder 812 having a corresponding first level ofinflation and a second inflatable bladder 814 having a correspondingfirst level of inflation. First bladder 812 and second bladder 814, eachin their corresponding first level of inflation combine to form a firstconfiguration of inflatable device 810 for use with a body in a firstbody position, for example, prone 800. Subsequently, first bladder andsecond bladder may be inflated or deflated to achieve correspondingsecond levels of inflation. First bladder 812 and second bladder 814,each in their corresponding second levels of inflation combine to form asecond configuration of inflatable device 810 corresponding to a secondbody position, for example, one of reclining to 801 or sitting 802, ofbody 816 to be supported on device 810.

The first and second positions of a body to be supported on device 810may be any of a number of positions, and the corresponding levels ofinflation of bladder 812 and bladder 814 may be selected in order toprovide the desired positions. For example, the first position maycorrespond to a fully prone position 800, and, as illustrated in FIG.8A, the first level of inflation may comprise substantially completeinflation of bladder 812 and complete deflation of bladder 814. Itshould be appreciated that with regard to compressible fluids, such asgases, the term “complete inflation” is a relative term and refers tothe maximum level of inflation typically used for a particular bladder.Higher levels of inflation of bladder 812 will typically be used toprovide a prone position 800 when inflatable device 810 is constructedas a mattress, because higher levels of inflation will hold the body 816relatively straight, not permitting portions of body 816 to sink intobladder 812, thus maintaining prone position 800.

Where first position 800 is a prone position, second position 801 may bea reclining position 801 or a sitting position 802, corresponding to asecond level of inflation of bladder 812. Typically, the second level ofinflation of bladder 812 may be lower than the first level of inflation,allowing body 816 to sink into bladder 812, and assuming a recliningposition 801 or sitting position 802. Where the second position of body816 is defined as reclining position 801, the third position of body 816may be defined as sitting 802, and may correspond to a third level ofinflation of bladder 812. The third level of inflation of bladder 812may be less than the first and second levels of inflation of bladder812, such that body 816 supported on implantable device 810 is allowedto sink further into bladder 812, and into sitting position 802. Itshould be understood that conventional definitions of prone, reclining,and sitting are intended here and that these terms are relative. Forexample, sitting can include some degree of recline, as illustrated inFIG. 8C. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that sitting andreclining may overlap to some degree, with what is shown as sitting inFIG. 8C being a reclining position compared to a more upright sittingposition.

It is to be appreciated that in each of the positions illustrated inFIGS. 8A-8C, second bladder 814 supplements bladder 812 to provide adesired position of a body supported on an inflatable device. Forexample, as illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8C, second bladder 814 may comprisea pillow. Where second bladder 814 comprises a pillow, it may be asuitable pillow to support a user's head, and/or back and shoulders. Itshould be appreciated that the level of inflation of second bladder 814need not match the level of inflation of first bladder 812, and that insome embodiments, they may be inversely proportional. For example, asshown in FIGS. 8A-8C, where first bladder 812 is part of an inflatabledevice comprising a mattress, and second bladder 814 comprises a pillow,by decreasing the level of inflation of the first bladder whileincreasing the level of inflation of the second bladder, it may bepossible to support the head and shoulders of the body on the inflatabledevice, while allowing the lower portion of the body to sink intobladder 812, moving the position of the body from prone to reclining.Further inflation of bladder 814 coupled with further deflation ofbladder 812 may move the position of the body from reclining to sitting.

While inflatable devices as described above may provide the advantage ofmulti-positionability, other features that are desirable in a bodysupport may be lacking in an inflatable bladder. For example, theusually fluid impermeable nature of inflatable bladders may limit theability of the body support to adequately allow for circulation of airand moisture to or from a person positioned on the bladder. Furthermore,the surface of an inflatable bladder may not provide a desired “feel” toa body support. Finally, where firmer inflatable devices are used, thesurface area of contact between the inflatable device and a supportedbody may be reduced. Conventional comfort layers, such as quiltedmaterials, may be too thin, and otherwise not designed to fully addressthese issues. Accordingly, in one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 8D, acomfort layer includes a conventional cushion 818. The conventionalcushion may be at least 1 centimeter thick and may cover at least threequarters of one side of the bladder. In certain embodiments, theconventional cushion is at least 2 centimeters thick and coverssubstantially all of one side of the bladder. In still otherembodiments, the conventional cushion is as much as 10 centimeters thickand covers substantially all of the bladder. It should be appreciatedthat these embodiments are intended by way of example only and may beintermingled, such as in the case of a 1 centimeter thick bladdercovering substantially all of a bladder.

Conventional cushion 818 may be constructed in any manner and using anymaterials that allow cushion 818 to perform its desired support andcomfort functions. For example, cushion 818 may be squared or roundedand may vary in overall thickness, as described above, or from locationto location, such as in the case of “egg crate” foam. Cushion 818 may beconstructed from conventional materials, such as down, synthetic ornatural fibers, or foam. Cushion 818 may be constructed to remain inposition relative to the blabber. For example, cushion 818 may becoupled to the bladder. Depending on the embodiment, cushion 818 may beglued, buttoned, hook and loop fastened, zipped, or the like, onto thebladder.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic illustrations of another aspect of thepresent invention which takes advantage of the typically light weight ofinflatable devices to increase their functionality. In one example ofthis embodiment, the present invention is directed to an article offurniture including a user support 920 having an inflatable bladder 912and a base 924 having a storage compartment 922 and positioned beneathuser support 920. In this embodiment, user support 920 is movable toallow access to storage compartment 922. Accordingly, it can be seen howthis embodiment of the present invention takes advantage of thelightweight nature of gas-filled inflatable devices. Because agas-filled inflatable device may be relatively lightweight, it may beeasily moved to expose storage space beneath the user support.

User support 920 may be constructed in any manner and using anymaterials so long as it meets support requirements and is sufficientlylightweight for a particular application. Similarly, base 924 may beconstructed in any manner and using any materials that adequatelysupport user support 920. Storage compartment 922 may be constructed inany materials and in any manner that allow storage compartment 922 toperform a desired storage function and allows base 924 to support usersupport 920. Shape of storage compartment 922 may be partially dictatedby the shape of base 924.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate an article of furniture according to thisembodiment of the invention, arranged as a bed. In this particularembodiment, user support 920 comprises an air mattress, and base 924comprises a bed frame. The air mattress may be a conventional airmattress having dimensions compatible with standard bedding sizes (e.g.twin, full, queen, king). The bed frame may be a generally hollow box,or the like, the inside of which is adapted to serve as compartment 922.The bed frame may further include a support or supports, such as a net,beams, or a cover, to inhibit the air mattress from collapsing intostorage compartment 922. Storage compartment 922 may be divided invarious ways into smaller sub-compartments. In another embodiment, thepresent invention may be configured as a couch or chair. In such anembodiment, user support 920 may comprise a support portion of a chairor couch, such as the cushioned upper portions of the chair or couch,and the base may comprise the lower portion of the chair or couch.

Base 924 may include structure to facilitate movement of user support920 off of storage compartment 922. For example, base 924 may be adaptedto facilitate sliding, rotating or elevating of user support 920 off ofbase 924. Where it is desired for the user support to be slidable, base924 may be adapted to have low friction with user support 920. Incertain such embodiments, guides, tracks, rails, or the like, may beused to facilitate sliding movement of use support 920.

In one embodiment including a user support and base, user support 920 isreleasably connected to base 924, such that user support 920 may bemoved in order to provide access to storage compartment 922. Forexample, user support 920 may be hingedly connected to base 924. Whereuser support 920 is hingedly connected to base 924, the hinge maycomprise any conventional hinge known in the art, including a typicalmetal hinge, or a piece of flexible material. Inflatable device 910 mayinclude a lock 926 sized and adapted to hold user support 920 such thatstorage compartment 922 is accessible. For example, lock 926 may besized and adapted to hold user support 920 in a raised position. Lock926 may be any device capable of supporting user support 920 in theraised position. For example, lock 926 may be associated with a hingepositioned between user support 920 and base 924 or may be a devicewhich props up user support 920, preventing it from closing, asillustrated in FIG. 9B. In some embodiment, including a storagecompartment may be used in combination with an articulation device asdescribed above with reference to FIGS. 7A-7B

According to another aspect of the invention, a configurable inflatabledevice may include one or more inflatable bladders in combination with ashape-defining membrane/covering layer. Referring to FIGS. 10A-C, thereis illustrated one embodiment of an inflatable device that may be usedas a bolster-type pillow. In this example, an inflatable bladder 1080may be combined with a membrane/covering layer 1082. As shown in FIG.10A, the membrane/covering layer 1082 may be a planar membrane that maybe rectangular and may be wrapped around the inflatable bladder 1080such that the overall structure may have a cylindrical tubular shape.However, it is to be appreciated that the bladder may not necessarily becylindrical, and may be combined with the membrane/covering layer so asto form a structure having a shape that is not cylindrical, as will bediscussed in more detail below. Furthermore, the membrane/covering layer1082 need not be rectangular, but may have another shape conducive to anoverall desired shape of the structure.

In one example, the bladder 1080 may be formed from a material that isflexible, and possibly somewhat elastic, while being substantiallyimpermeable to fluids such as water or air. This flexibility of thebladder material, combined with the fact that the degree of inflation ofthe bladder (amount of fluid injected into the bladder) may be varied,may result in the bladder being highly malleable and configurable.Furthermore, the bladder may also be used in combination with theconfigurable, attachable membrane/covering layer 1082, which allows theshape of the inflatable structure to be further controlled. For example,the configurable, attachable membrane may restrict inflation of certainparts of the inflatable bladder, thereby altering the shape of thebladder when inflated. In some embodiments, folding or otherwisemanipulating or controlling shape is used in addition to controlling thedegree of inflation within the bladder so as to accommodate differentsupport requirements. In such embodiments, folding may or may not beaccompanied with the use of a membrane. In one example, themembrane/covering layer 1082 may be provided with fasteners 1084 thatmay be used to fasten the membrane around the inflatable bladder 1080,as illustrated. The fasteners may be hook and loop fasteners, such as,for example, Velcro® hook and loop fasteners, or larger hook and loopfasteners as illustrated, or may be another type of fastener, forexample, buttons, snaps, adjustable straps, or the button latch fastenerdiscussed above. In one example, illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10C, themembrane/covering layer 1082 may be provided with a plurality of holes1086 and a row of hook fasteners 1084, such that a diameter of thestructure may be controlled by hooking the fasteners 1084 into anappropriate row of holes 1086. Alternatively, in some embodiments, twoor more fasteners 1084 may be connected to the inflatable bladder 1080thus allowing a portion of the bladder to attach to another portion ofthe bladder, thus controlling a shape of the bladder, with or withoutattachment of the membrane/covering layer, as illustrated in FIG. 10B.In some embodiment, inflatable bladder 1080 may be provided with a rigidor flexible rib, in addition to or instead of other members used forconfigurability, to add configurability or otherwise constrain thevolume of the bladder. The rib may be internal or external to thebladder. Such ribs may be used with any of inflatable bladders asdiscussed herein.

In the example of a bolster-type pillow, the inflatable bladder may besubstantially contained within the membrane/covering layer, which may befastened so as to provide a pillow with a certain desired diameter. Oncea desired diameter of the pillow has been selected, the bladder may beinflated as much as allowed by the constraining membrane/covering layerand/or fasteners, i.e., to completely fill the set diameter, to providefirm support to the user. Alternatively, the bladder may be lessinflated so as not to completely fill the volume defined by the setdiameter, should the user desire the device to be less firm or moremalleable. For example, the diameter of the bolster pillow may becontrollable from approximately 10″ (25.4 cm) when fully inflated toapproximately 3″ (7.62 cm) when only partially inflated. Controlling thediameter of the pillow using adjustable fasteners has the advantage ofmaintaining the substantially cylindrical shape of the pillow even whenthe bladder is not fully inflated, to still provide support to the user.Although the above features of the inflatable device have been describedin terms of a controllable diameter with reference to a bolster pillow,it is to be appreciated that the device is not limited to thisstructure, and the principles here described may be applied to otherstructures having non-cylindrical shapes. It is to be appreciated that,although the fasteners above were illustrated as connected to a coveringlayer and only coupled to the bladder, in some embodiments according tothe present invention, the fasteners used for configuring a bladder maybe directly connected to the bladder.

According to another example, the membrane/covering layer may have anenvelope-type structure that encompasses at least a portion of theinflatable bladder. The malleability and reconfigurability of theinflatable bladder combined with adjustment means such as the fasteners,may provide a pillow, or other device, the size and shape of which maybe easily modified as desired. The inflatable bladder may be providedwith a valve to allow for easy inflation and deflation. In situationswhere additional structure may be required or desirable, the attachmentor adjustment means may allow a rigid member to be combined with thebladder to provide the additional structure.

Referring to FIGS. 11A-D, there is illustrated examples of anotherembodiment of a configurable inflatable device comprising an inflatablebladder 1130 in combination with a partial outer membrane 1132. Thistype of inflatable device may be referred to as a pillow, although itmay serve other functions and may be used in other applications, notonly as a pillow. The inflatable bladder 1130 comprises a valve 1134 forinflation and deflation. The partial outer membrane 1132 may be providedin the form of an attachable collar and the shape of the pillow, orcushion, may be controlled by variations in how the collar and theinflatable bladder 1130 are attached, and the level of inflation. Thepillow structure may provide a variety of comfort shape options, forexample, a circle as shown in FIG. 11A, a “U” as shown in FIG. 11B, acrescent as illustrated in FIG. 11C, or a substantially straight tube asillustrated in FIG. 11D. In one example, the partial outer membrane 1132may be a quilted or padded comfort layer, and/or may be include acomfort-enhancing fabric.

Referring to FIGS. 12A and 12B, the inflatable bladder 1130 may beattached to the partial outer membrane 1132 using fasteners 1136. In oneexample, fasteners 1136 may be provided on both the inflatable bladder1130 and on the partial outer membrane 1132, such that the partial outermembrane 1132 may be attached to the inflatable bladder 1130. Thefasteners may be snap fasteners as illustrated. For example, the partialouter membrane 1132 may include the protruding portion of the snapfastener 136, as illustrated in FIG. 12A, and the inflatable bladder1130 may include the corresponding mating portion. Alternatively, thefasteners may be provided with the protruding portion attached to theinflatable bladder. The fasteners may also be another type of fastener,such as, for example, button fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, etc. Byfastening the partial outer membrane to the inflatable bladder invarious ways, using some or all of the fasteners provided, the structuremay be made to take a desired shape, such as the shapes illustrated inFIGS. 11A-B. Alternatively, a second partial outer membrane 1138 may beprovided, as illustrated in FIG. 12B, and the structure may be formed byattaching the first partial outer membrane 1132 to the second partialouter membrane 1138, by means of fasteners 1136, with the inflatablebladder placed between the two membranes. According to another example,the outer membrane may removably, substantially completely surround theinflatable bladder, and may include an opening to provide direct accessto the valve.

Referring to FIGS. 13A-H, there are illustrated several examples ofattaching combinations of the inflatable bladder 1130 and the partialouter membrane 1132. The partial outer membrane 1132 may, by itsattachment, constrain the inflatable bladder 1130 upon inflation and maycause it to assume a shape other than the shape the inflated bladder1130 alone would naturally assume upon inflation. The variability in themanner in which the partial outer membrane may be attached to theinflatable bladder provides a device that is highly configurable andallows a single inflatable bladder of one shape to be used in a varietyof applications.

According to yet another embodiment of a configurable inflatable device,an inflatable bladder 1140, having a valve 1144 for inflation anddeflation, may be enclosed, or partially enclosed, within a coveringlayer 1142, as illustrated in FIG. 14. The covering layer 1142 may bemade of a flexible material such as rubber, a cotton mesh, or any othermaterial used in the art, and may have a volume different from that ofthe inflatable bladder 1140. For example, the covering layer 1142 may besized and configured so as to constrain the size and/or shape of theinflatable bladder to provide a resulting inflatable device structurethat is different than that of the bladder itself. With thisarrangement, the bladder and covering layer in combination provide aninflatable device having a different volume and shape than thatexhibited by the bladder itself. In addition, it is to be understoodthat the flexibility of the inflatable bladder material, and the degreeof variability provided by the ability to adjust the level of inflationof the bladder, provide an inflatable device having a plurality oflevels of comfort. Inflation of the inflatable bladder 1140 within thecovering layer 1142 may also provide a comfort and/or support surfacethat may not be provided by the inflatable bladder 1140 alone. Forexample, a U-shaped inflatable bladder may be contained within anapproximately rectangular covering layer, as illustrated in FIG. 14,thereby providing a pillow having a support/comfort area 1145 thatincludes the covering layer, but where there is no portion of theinflatable bladder present. Thus, this structure may provide differentcomfort and/or support features from those that the U-shaped inflatablebladder may provide on its own, or with a shape-conforming coveringlayer.

It is to be appreciated that FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate examples of aninflatable bladder in combination with a covering layer, but that manydifferent inflatable devices having a number of possible comfortsurfaces may be obtained through the combination of various bladdershapes and volumes with covering layers of different shapes, sizes, andmaterials. For example, referring to FIG. 15, the covering layer 1142may not completely enclose the inflatable bladder 1140, but may beprovided with fasteners 1146 that may be used to attach the coveringlayer 1142 to a portion of the inflatable bladder 1140. The fastenersmay be, for example, hook and loop fasteners, adjustable straps,buttons, snap fasteners, or another type of fastener known to those ofskill in the art. According to another example, the covering layer maybe provided in the form of a bag, for example, a drawstring bag, thatmay surround the inflatable bladder. In certain examples, the coveringlayer 1142 may also be provided with a hole 1148 to allow a user toaccess the valve 1144 to inflate and/or deflate the inflatable bladder1140 once it is inside or partially covered by the covering layer 1142.

Another aspect of the invention is directed to the ability of aninflatable device to perform different functions based upon differinglevels of inflation. Such an inflatable device may provide differentpositions to a portion of a body, or may make the device useful withdiffering portions of the body. For example, the inflatable device maybe any suitable device as describe above with reference to FIG. 10A-15.For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 16-17, an inflatable device 1610configured as a pillow may serve as a neck support at a first level ofinflation and a first configuration of a configuring member (e.g.,covering layer 1082, outer membrane 1132, fasteners 1136). A pillow foruse as a lumbar support is typically smaller than a pillow for use aneck support. Accordingly, a pillow at a level of inflation for use as aneck support may be partially deflated by releasing fluid to bring it toa level of inflation suitable for use as a lumbar support. Similarly, apillow at a level of inflation for use as a lumbar support may befurther inflated by adding fluid to bring it to a level of inflationsuitable for use as a neck support.

Another example of an inflatable device able to perform differentfunctions based upon differing levels of inflation is illustrated inFIGS. 19-20. In this exemplary embodiment, inflatable device 1610 isconfigured as a pillow that may serve as a backrest at a first level ofinflation (FIG. 20), a leg support at a second level of inflation (FIG.19), and a head and/or neck support at a third level of inflation (FIG.18). For example, the pillow may be used as a backrest in a fullyinflated condition, a leg support in a partially deflated condition, anda head support in a further deflated condition. In some cases, toachieve a desired configuration, a level of inflation may be attained byfolding or otherwise altering the shape of the inflatable device. Aswith other embodiments of the present invention, the level of inflationmay be adjusted by adding or releasing fluid from an inflatable bladdercomprising the inflatable device. This and the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 16-18 are only two examples of the many different ways in whichadjusting the level of fluid in an inflatable device according to thepresent invention may allow the device to perform multiple functions.

Having thus described several aspects of at least one embodiment of thisinvention, it is to be appreciated various alterations, modifications,and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Forexample, it is to be appreciated that for any of the above describedembodiments, the fluid moving device can be provided remotely from, forexample, the self-sealing valves, and also that the controls to bias onand off the fluid moving device and any of the electromechanical devicescan be located remotely from the fluid moving device and theelectromechanical devices. In addition, it is to be appreciated thatthere may be some embodiments or applications where theelectromechanical device may also be used to open the self-sealing valveof any of the embodiments described infra for the purpose of aiding theinflating of the inflatable device such as, for example, where theself-sealing valve is not opened appreciably by the fluid moving deviceupon inflation. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements areintended to be part of this disclosure, and are intended to be withinthe spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoingdescription and drawings are by way of example only.

What is claimed is:
 1. An inflatable mattress comprising: an inflatablebladder; a compartment located within a profile of the inflatablemattress, the compartment housing a self-sealing valve and anelectrically operated valve actuator; the self-sealing valve including adiaphragm, the self-sealing valve fluidly coupling the compartment tothe inflatable bladder, the self-sealing valve being configured tocontrol a flow of fluid into the inflatable bladder and out of theinflatable bladder; the electrically operated valve actuator beingresponsive to a controller and being configured to open the self-sealingvalve; a fluid moving device being responsive to the controller andfluidly coupled to the inflatable bladder through the compartment andthe self-sealing valve, the fluid controller being configured to providefluid to the inflatable bladder; the controller configured to operatethe electrically operated valve actuator and the fluid moving device. 2.The inflatable mattress of claim 1, further comprising a hose configuredto fluidly couple the fluid moving device to the compartment, whereinthe fluid moving device is remotely located from the compartment.
 3. Theinflatable mattress of claim 2, wherein the fluid moving device isenclosed in sound insulating material.
 4. The inflatable mattress ofclaim 2, wherein the fluid moving device is located beneath theinflatable mattress.
 5. The inflatable mattress of claim 1, furthercomprising a valve cover for the self-sealing valve.
 6. The inflatablemattress of claim 5, wherein the electrically operated valve actuator isconfigured to open the valve cover.
 7. The inflatable mattress of claim1, wherein the fluid moving device is configured to pressurize thecompartment with fluid, and wherein the self-sealing valve is configuredto open with the compartment pressurized.
 8. The inflatable mattress ofclaim 1, wherein the compartment includes a barrier configured tofluidly isolate an interior of the compartment from ambient.
 9. Theinflatable mattress of claim 8, wherein the barrier is configured tocouple to the fluid moving device.
 10. The inflatable mattress of claim1, wherein the compartment is formed by a barrier in combination with awall of the inflatable bladder.
 11. The inflatable mattress of claim 10,wherein the compartment is within a wall of the inflatable bladder andwithin a profile of the inflatable bladder.
 12. The inflatable mattressof claim 10, wherein the compartment also houses the fluid movingdevice.
 13. The inflatable mattress of claim 10, wherein theself-sealing valve is supported by the wall of the inflatable bladder.14. The inflatable mattress of claim 10, wherein the inflatable mattressis the inflatable bladder.
 15. The inflatable mattress of claim 1,wherein the electrically operated valve actuator is configuredresponsive to the controller to displace the diaphragm of theself-sealing valve to release fluid out of the inflatable bladder. 16.The inflatable mattress of claim 1, wherein the electrically operatedvalve actuator includes at least one of a solenoid and a motor.
 17. Theinflatable mattress of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured toelectrically operate the valve actuator in coordination with the pump.18. The inflatable mattress of claim 1, wherein the inflatable mattressis the inflatable bladder.